District of Columbia Down Payment Assistance Local

The following mortgage down payment assistance programs were developed by the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). See more information about statewide Washington DC down payment assistance programs.

• Available to D.C. government employees who have employed for at least one year (with the exception of police officers, teachers, firefighters, and EMTs, which are available upon appointment) and are first-time homebuyers seeking down payment assistance in Washington D.C.


• Maximum loan of $10,000


• Matching down payment funds a maximum of $1,500 ($500 for each $2,500 saved by an employee)

• Low and Moderate-income first time homebuyers are provided with Washington D.C. down payment assistance to purchase a home through this loan


• Low interest rate


• 5-year deferred loan


• Buyer must contribute a minimum of 3% of the purchase price or $500 toward the purchase

To qualify for down payment assistance in Washington D.C., buyers are required to participate in a pre-application counseling session through the Community-Based Organization (CBO).